Find The Top Spine Specialists Who Treat Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, there may be an underlying spine problem causing the pain. It's important to get treatment from a spine expert if you think you may have a spine problem. The top spine specialists can accurately identify the cause of your pain, explore the complex issues surrounding the pain, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Below, we'll explore what to expect when you seek treatment for your back pain, as well as how and where to find the top spine specialists in the city.

When to See a Doctor

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain, and many people experience temporary back pain without any condition that requires medical treatment. You may experience a few hours or days of back pain after sleeping wrong or straining a muscle. However, you should see a doctor if: 

• Pain persists for longer than a few days
• Pain is severe
• Pain is accompanied by symptoms such as muscle weakness or numbness in the limbs
• Pain or other symptoms are getting progressively worse

Causes of Back Pain

Many spine conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why it's so important to see a doctor for diagnosis. To diagnose your back pain, your physician will start by asking you about your symptoms and your medical history. Next, he will physically examine the back and any related parts of the body. Based on the results, medical imaging such as x-ray or MRI may be ordered. 

Some potential causes of back pain include: 

• Muscle strain, which is typically mild and will resolve on its own
• Herniated disc, where a disc ruptures and then goes outside its normal boundaries
• Bulging disc, where a disc is intact but "bulges" outside its normal boundaries
• Degenerative disc disease, the progressive degeneration of discs over time, typically associated with age
• Foraminal stenosis, where the opening through which the nerve roots exit the spine becomes more narrow than usual
• Spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal through which the spinal cord runs becomes more narrow than usual
• Bone spurs, abnormal growths of bone along the spine
• Vertebral fractures, which can occur after trauma
• Spondylolisthesis, in which two vertebrae do not line up with one another
• Kyphosis, scoliosis, and other curvature problems
• Spinal tumors (rare)

Potential Treatments

Just as the causes of back pain vary considerably, so too do the appropriate treatments for back pain. The majority of cases can be resolved without resorting to surgery by using non-invasive techniques such as physical therapy and medication. The goal of non-surgical methods is to reduce inflammation and improve spinal alignment, which helps relieve symptoms. 

If a condition is severe, progressive, or does not respond to non-surgical treatments, then surgery may be necessary. Most common spine conditions, including herniated discs and spinal stenosis, can be treated using minimally invasive procedures such as laser spine surgery. Minimally invasive procedures are preferable whenever possible because they are associated with a shorter recovery time and lower risks. However, open spine surgery is also effective and appropriate in cases where there are no other options.

Finding a Doctor

The quality of your spine doctor can make a big difference in terms of what you experience when you get treatment. Therefore, you should carefully research doctors before making a decision. Experience and professional accomplishments are two key factors to look for. In addition, be sure to choose a doctor who uses minimally invasive, cutting-edge techniques whenever possible. 

You can use many methods to identify potential doctors in your area. For example, you can ask friends and family to recommend a doctor who they had good experiences with. Your primary care physician might be able to recommend some spine specialists they are familiar with. You can also research spine specialists online by reading reviews and visiting physicians' websites.

Top NYC Spine Specialists

Dr. Sukdeb Datta, founder of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center, is one of the top spine specialists in the nation. Dr. Datta completed his Anesthesiology training and Pain Medicine Fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, where he served as the Chief Resident and was nominated on the Clinician Scientist Tract. Dr. Sukdeb Datta is board certified in Anesthesiology and in Pain Management, and is a Diplomat, American Board of Anesthesiology and Diplomat, American Board of Pain Management. He has also been awarded the Subspecialty Certification in Pain Management from the joint Boards of the American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

Dr. Datta has extensive professional experience in pain management, anesthesiology, and the treatment of back pain. He served as Director, Interventional Pain Management Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, and as Associated Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville. He acted as the Decision Chief, Pain Medicine Division within the Department of Anesthesiology and as the Program Director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Datta has earned acclaim from his peers throughout his career. Dr. Datta is an Associate Editor of the Pain Physician journal and is on the editorial board of the Frontiers in Pain Pharmacology and Therapeutics Journal. He has been a guest review to journals such as Anesthesiology, Spine, Pain Practice, The Journal of Pain, Pain Medicine and Pain. He is recognized as a leader in formulated guidelines in interventional pain management, which he has published extensively on. Dr. Datta has been invited  by prestigious societies such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists to serve as faculty at numerous cadaver workshops to demonstrate advanced techniques in interventional pain management.

Throughout his career, Dr. Datta has been interested in finding innovative solutions to the complex problems associated with chronic back pain. He works to constantly advance the field by incorporating the best research and evidence-based practice, as well as the best in translational pain research. This approach places the patient at the center of care, receiving comprehensive, modern solutions for complex health issues.

Dr. Datta would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your back pain. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Datta, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.